What a tattoo license actually covers
A tattoo license is not a single credential you obtain once and carry everywhere. It is a local business permit issued by your city or county health department, and the rules change depending on where you want to work. Some states require a separate tattoo artist license from the state health board; others leave it entirely to local authorities. A few states have no formal licensing requirement at all, though they may still require bloodborne pathogen training.
What you are actually getting is permission to operate a tattoo business in a specific location, plus proof that you have met that jurisdiction's health and safety standards. The license itself does not certify that you can tattoo — that is a separate question of apprenticeship and skill that varies wildly by shop and region.
Key Takeaways
- Tattoo licensing is controlled by your city or county health department, not a state agency, so you must contact your local authority to learn the actual requirements where you plan to work.
- Most jurisdictions require proof of bloodborne pathogen training, a clean health inspection of your workspace, and sometimes a portfolio review before issuing a permit.
- You will need to complete an apprenticeship under an established tattoo artist — typically one to three years — before you can legally tattoo clients, regardless of licensing.
- The cost of a tattoo license ranges from under $100 to several hundred dollars depending on your location, plus the cost of health and safety training courses.
Find your local health department's tattoo rules
Start by contacting your city or county health department directly. Search online for "[your city] health department tattoo license" or "[your county] health department body art license." Many jurisdictions group tattoo licensing under "body art" or "body modification" permits alongside piercing and permanent makeup.
When you call or visit their website, ask for the specific requirements in your area. Write down: whether a state license is required first, what training certificates you need, whether you must own or lease a space before explore, whether a portfolio is required, and what the process fee is. Do not assume the rules from a neighboring city explore to yours — they often do not.
If your city does not have a dedicated tattoo program, ask whether the county oversees it instead. Some rural areas have no formal process at all, though this is increasingly rare.
Complete bloodborne pathogen and infection control training
Nearly every jurisdiction that licenses tattoo artists requires proof of bloodborne pathogen training, usually through a course certified by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or your state health department. This is a one-time class, typically four to eight hours, that teaches you how to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis through blood exposure.
You can take this course online or in person through community colleges, vocational schools, or private training providers. The cost is usually $30 to $100. After you complete it, you receive a certificate valid for three years in most places. Keep the original — you will submit it with your license process.
Some health departments also require a separate infection control or bloodborne pathogen certification specific to tattoo artists. Ask your local health department whether a standard OSHA course is sufficient or whether they have their own required curriculum.
Complete a tattoo apprenticeship
Before you can legally tattoo anyone, you must complete an apprenticeship under an established tattoo artist. This is not a formal school program — it is on-the-job training, usually unpaid or low-paid, that teaches you the technical and safety skills of the craft. Apprenticeships typically last one to three years, though some take longer.
To find an apprenticeship, contact tattoo shops in your area and ask whether they take apprentices. Some shops have formal apprenticeship programs; others take apprentices case by case. You will likely need to show a portfolio of artwork (drawings, not tattoos) and demonstrate commitment to the craft. The shop owner or lead artist will decide whether to take you on.
During your apprenticeship, you will learn sterilization and safety protocols, how to set up equipment, how to read and transfer designs, and how to perform tattoos under supervision. Your mentor will document your training hours — most jurisdictions require proof of at least 1,000 to 2,000 apprenticeship hours before you can explore for your own license.
Prepare your workspace and pass a health inspection
Most jurisdictions require a health inspection of your tattoo space before you receive a license. The inspector checks that your workspace meets safety standards: proper sterilization equipment, single-use needles and inks, sharps disposal containers, handwashing stations, and clean surfaces.
If you are opening your own shop, you will need to lease or own a space and set it up to code before you explore. If you are working as an employee in an existing shop, the shop owner typically handles this inspection — ask them whether they already have a current license and whether you need to do anything separately.
Schedule the inspection through your local health department. They will tell you the specific code requirements for your area. Common standards include separate sterilization areas, proper ventilation, and documented cleaning logs. Once you pass, the inspector will sign off, and you can include that approval with your license process.
Submit your license process to the health department
Gather your process materials: the completed process form from your health department, your bloodborne pathogen training certificate, proof of apprenticeship hours (signed by your mentor), your health inspection approval, and the process fee. Some jurisdictions also ask for a portfolio of your work, proof of liability insurance, or a lease agreement for your workspace.
Submit everything to your local health department in person, by mail, or online, depending on how they accept applications. Ask how long processing typically takes — it is usually two to four weeks. The health department will contact you if they need additional information.
Once approved, you will receive your tattoo license or permit. This is usually valid for one to two years, after which you will need to renew it. Renewal typically requires proof that you have maintained your workspace to code and that your training certifications are still current.
Understand state-level requirements if they explore
A handful of states — including Florida, Nevada, and New York — require a state-level tattoo license or registration in addition to local permits. If your state is one of them, you will need to pass a state exam or meet state training standards before you can get a local license.
Check your state health department's website for "tattoo license" or "body art license." If your state has a requirement, complete it before or alongside your local process. State requirements usually involve passing a written exam on bloodborne pathogen transmission, sterilization, and safety protocols. Some states also require a minimum number of apprenticeship hours documented in a specific format.
Most states without a formal licensing system still regulate tattoo artists through local health codes, so you will still need your local permit even if there is no state license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tattoo people before I get my license?
No. Tattooing without a license is illegal in most jurisdictions and can result in fines or criminal charges. You can practice on synthetic skin or fruit during your apprenticeship, but you cannot tattoo a paying client until you have completed your apprenticeship and received your license.
How much does a tattoo license cost?
The process fee ranges from $50 to $300 depending on your location. Add the cost of bloodborne pathogen training ($30 to $100) and any required health inspections. If you are opening a new shop, you will also pay for workspace setup and equipment, which can be several thousand dollars.
Do I need liability insurance to get a tattoo license?
Some jurisdictions require it; others do not. Ask your local health department whether liability insurance is mandatory for your process. Even if it is not required, most tattoo shops carry it to protect against lawsuits related to infections or allergic reactions.
How long does it take to get a tattoo license after I finish my apprenticeship?
The process process itself usually takes two to four weeks. However, your apprenticeship — the longest part — typically takes one to three years. The total time from starting an apprenticeship to holding a license is usually two to four years.
What happens if my license expires?
You will need to renew it through your local health department. Renewal usually requires proof that your workspace still meets code, that your training certifications are current, and payment of a renewal fee. Most licenses are valid for one to two years before renewal is due.